Ski-mask Attacker

Springfield assault bears similarities to three attacks on the West End of Alexandria.

Police officials in Alexandria and Fairfax County are working together to find a man they suspect is responsible for several attacks in Alexandria’s West End and in Springfield. The man wears a black ski mask and attacks women who are walking alone during early morning hours, attempting to sexually assault them after dragging the women into secluded areas. The Alexandria attacks happened on Aug. 31, Nov. 5 and Nov. 9. The Fairfax County assault happened on Nov. 14.

"There are similarities in terms of the method and the time of day," said Lt. Jamie Bartlett, a spokesman for the Alexandria Police Department. "Our detectives are comparing notes with Fairfax County."

After the Nov. 14 attack, which happened at 5:45 a.m. in the 6900 block Industrial Road, Fairfax County officials began coordinating a strategy with Alexandria investigators. After comparing notes, investigators realized that all four incidents had several key similarities. Aside from a physical description of the individual — a black male between 5 feet, 7 inches and 6 feet tall — the man wore dark clothing and attacked the women from behind as they were walking in secluded areas.

"All of the cases involve a sexual assault of some sort," said Eddy Azcarate, public-information officer for the Fairfax County Police Department. "We flooded the area immediately following the incident."

Alexandria officials also said they increased patrolling in areas where attacks occurred. The Aug. 31 incident happened on North Beauregard Street near the Holmes Run bike path. The Nov. 5 incident happened near the intersection of North Beauregard Street and North Morgan Street. The Nov. 9 attack happened near the intersection of Edsall Road and South Picket Street.

"Catching this guy is a major concern," said Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney S. Randolph Sengel. "I know that detectives in Alexandria and Fairfax are working all the angles possible in this case."